Woman, 48, denies murder of Nick Billingham

A 48-year-old woman has today (Friday, August 12) pleaded not guilty to the murder of Nick Billingham.

Fiona Beal, of Moore Street, Kingsley, denied murdering 42-year-old Mr Billingham some time between October 30 and November 10 last year.

She was arrested at a hotel in Cumbria on March 16 leading to a police search of her home address in Northampton where the remains of Mr Billingham were eventually discovered in the rear garden.

A subsequent post-mortem revealed he had died as a result of a stab wound to the neck.

During today’s hearing at Northampton Crown Court, the defendant spoke only to confirm her name and plea.

Remanding her back in custody, Her Honour Judge Adrienne Lucking adjourned the case for a further hearing at the same court on September 6.

A trial date was previously set for September 12.